AEA hosts Wi-Fi Summit

The Aircraft Electronics Association, in coordination with the FAA, is hosting a two-day Wi-Fi Summit for industry participants involved in certifying and installing Wi-Fi equipment in aircraft. The summit will take place Jan. 13-14, at AEA Headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Mo., 25 minutes south of Kansas City International Airport.

There is no charge to attend the summit; however, seats are limited and you must register in advance prior to Jan. 4. Registration is nearly full, AEA officials note.

“Wi-Fi is a growing technology in the business aircraft environment, but there seems to be confusion and conflict in the initial certification and the field installation certification of the products,” said Paula Derks, president of the AEA. “By bringing authorities and industry together to cross-educate both sides, the purpose of the Wi-Fi Summit is to standardize approaches and ensure both the industry and agencies are using the best practices when moving forward.”

In addition to the officials from FAA Headquarters, Transport Airplane Directorate and Small Airplane Directorate who are attending the Wi-Fi Summit, staff from Transport Canada and the European Aviation Safety Agency have been invited.

Topics for the two-day summit include: FAA/TCCA/EASA Policy and Guidance; Industry Challenges and Presentations; New Technologies: Now and in the Future; Recommended Future Improvements in the Process; and Developing Industry “Best Practices” for Current and Future Applications.